Why won’t my Apple Watch pair to my new phone?

Answered by Tom Adger

There can be several reasons why your Apple Watch is not pairing to your new phone. Let’s go through the possible troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue.

1. Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Settings: Ensure that both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If either device has these settings turned off, they won’t be able to pair. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and Settings > Bluetooth to verify that they are enabled. On your Apple Watch, swipe up from the watch face to access the Control Center, and make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons are highlighted.

2. Verify Airplane Mode: If your devices are in Airplane Mode, they won’t be able to connect. Ensure that Airplane Mode is turned off on both your iPhone and Apple Watch. You can check this in the Control Center or Settings on your devices.

3. Reset Bluetooth Connections: Sometimes, resetting the Bluetooth connections can help resolve pairing issues. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to your Apple Watch under My Devices. Then, tap “Forget This Device” and confirm your decision. On your Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will remove all data from your watch, so make sure you have a backup if needed. After the reset, set up your watch as a new device and try pairing again.

4. Update Software: Ensure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch have the latest software updates installed. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch > General > Software Update. If updates are available, follow the prompts to install them.

5. Restart Devices: Perform a restart on both your iPhone and Apple Watch. This can help clear any temporary glitches or conflicts. Simply power off both devices, wait for a few seconds, and then power them back on.

6. Reset Network Settings: Resetting network settings on your iPhone can sometimes resolve connectivity issues. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Keep in mind that this will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward.

7. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the pairing issue, it’s recommended to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They have the expertise to help troubleshoot and resolve any specific problems you might be facing.

Remember, these steps are general troubleshooting suggestions, and the specific steps may vary depending on your Apple Watch model and iOS version. It’s always a good idea to refer to Apple’s official support documentation or contact their support team for personalized assistance.